Mr. MAL 2008: What it's like to rule

As part of our ongoing exclusive coverage of Mid-Atlantic Leather 2009, we spoke with the outgoing Mr. MAL 2008, Chris Grasso, about his action-packed year as Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2008 before his “retirement” this weekend, when a new Mr. MAL will be sashed.

Black leather, a hard-earned fancy title... That's bound to get you some respect at your local dungeon or gay bar, right?

The outgoing Mr. MAL answers all your prurient questions after the jump.

Photo: BullmanX

You won Mr. Connecticut Leather 2008 and went on to win Mid-Atlantic Leather 2008. What inspired you to go for the "big prize"?

In 2006 I ran for Mr. Connecticut Leather, and I came in first runner-up to David Murphy. After much encouragement from my "leather family" and friends, I ran again in 2008, and my parents watched me win the Mr. Connecticut Leather 2008 title. I guess you can say I did it to meet people, come out of my shell, and find out more about the leather lifestyle. Also, to build some self-confidence that I felt I did not have. Believe it or not, with all the things I have done, I still have a shy side.

What were your first encounters with the leather community like?

After exploring the many gay “communities” I found myself hanging out at The Dugout in NYC with my very good friend Paulie, where I felt right at home. It was not until after I met David and Nelson that I really knew anything about the leather lifestyle. David and Nelson took me to my first leather bar called The L.U.R.E in NYC, where again I felt right at home among the many men of all shapes and sizes. I looked around and saw that many of the men at both bars were bearmen and leathermen—it was then I realized that I was a leatherbear.

What was it like winning?

At first I was not sure they called the correct name. I was just happy to be part of the weekend. Winning was amazing. I was so honored to have been chosen. It was a pleasure competing with three other amazing guys—they too are winners in my book. It took a while for it to sink in that I won such a big title. I wish this year's contestants the best of luck.

Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather is a feeder contest for International Mr. Leather, held every May in Chicago. Tell us about your experience at IML 2008. Any advice for this year's IML class?

IML was such a great and wonderful experience. I was very honored to meet 50 other outstanding men and to be part of such an incredible weekend! I had an absolute blast. The IML staff and volunteers are just great—they make you feel right at home. To the 2009 IML, all I can say is, just go and have fun. Be yourself. It is a contest, but have fun.

What was the best event you attended all year? Your favorite adventure?

The best event I attended was DC pride! That was my favorite event and adventure all in one. My good friend CJ Smith arranged for us and a few other title holders to ride on top of a fire truck. We all had on fire hats, threw out fireballs to the crowd, and played music that had something to do with fire. It rained that day—more like downpoured—but we had so much fun. I think we won the Liberace award that day.

Any advice on packing for leather events?

Go by train—they don't weigh or check your bags. The times that I had to travel by plane, I carried the important leather—sash, vest, boots—in a carry-on bag. I recommend packing the basics and hoping that your bag does not weigh over 25 pounds.

Did winning Mr. MAL get you totally laid?

I am not the type to kiss and tell, but let's just say the title helped a little. FYI, I am still single.

Did you discover any new kink or fetish interests during your year?

Yes, that I am more of a "boy." Now I just need to find the right daddy.

Tell us a little bit about Brother Help Thyself, the main charity of the Centaur MC and the beneficiary of the Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend.

Brother Help Thyself, Inc., was founded in 1978 by four gay motorcycle clubs and is one of the first organizations in the United States to provide funding for GLBTQ health, cultural, and social services.  The first fund drive by The Capital Area Board of Leather and Levi Motorcycle Clubs raised $4,518.  BHT was formed to award that grant to the Gay Men's VD Clinic, which was having financial difficulties at that time.  Not only did this grant make it possible for the clinic to continue to provide health services, but it also made it possible for it to separate from the free clinic. This separation lead to the creation of the Whitman-Walker Clinic, which expanded its services to the lesbian community at that time. It is a community-based charity that provides financial and other support to non-profit organizations serving the GLBTQ community in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas.

What are your post-MAL plans?

I plan on keeping busy. I think the New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts guys have things planned for me to do with them in 2009, since I was not around a lot in 2008. I would like to thank everyone for all of their support this year. It has been an honor meeting so many great and outstanding men and women. Also, thank you to Centaur MC for everything!